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UV-Induced Mutants of Metarhizium anisopliae: Improved Biological Parameters, Resistance to Stressful Factors, and Comparative Transcriptomic Analysis

Summary

Scientists used UV light to create improved mutant strains of a fungus that naturally kills insect pests. The best mutant strain showed increased ability to survive harsh environmental conditions like heat and oxidative stress, while becoming more effective at infecting target pest insects. This improvement makes the fungus more practical for use as a natural pesticide in fields exposed to sunlight. Gene analysis revealed the mutant fungi enhanced certain protective proteins while reducing reliance on traditional antioxidant systems.

Background

Metarhizium anisopliae is an entomopathogenic fungus with potential as a biological control agent, but its sensitivity to UV radiation and environmental stresses limits field applications. UV mutagenesis has been shown to enhance stress tolerance and fitness traits in related fungal species.

Objective

To screen UV-induced mutant strains of M. anisopliae for improved stress resistance and biological parameters compared to wild-type strains, and to conduct comparative transcriptomic analysis to understand the underlying mechanisms.

Results

Five mutants exhibited significantly higher heat resistance and growth rates. MaUV-22 demonstrated enhanced tolerance to multiple stresses and increased virulence against G. mellonella with an LT50 of 9.18 days versus 12.2 days for wild-type. Transcriptome analysis revealed upregulation of heat shock protein, glutathione S-transferase, and thioredoxin reductase genes, with downregulation of catalase and superoxide dismutase pathway genes.

Conclusion

UV-induction is an effective strategy for generating M. anisopliae mutants with improved environmental stress resistance and virulence. The enhanced traits are associated with modified expression of stress-response genes, particularly those involved in heat shock proteins and alternative antioxidant systems, making MaUV-22 a promising candidate for field-based pest control.
  • Published in:Journal of Fungi,
  • Study Type:Experimental Study,
  • Source: PMID: 40558925, DOI: 10.3390/jof11060412
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